For many years my identity and self-worth were wrapped in the decisions of my past and a lifelong diagnosis. Don’t get me wrong; I looked really good on paper. I have crazy amounts of formal education, a coaching certification, a morning TV show segment, awards, and titles.
Here’s the thing, I don’t consider any of my awards, degrees, and titles my biggest accomplishment, though. Those were easy. The accomplishment I am most proud of is my relationship to the medical diagnosis that I received 10 years ago of bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. I used to call it “hell on earth.”
My biggest accomplishment is my relationship to myself. (more…) read more →
Have you been out shopping for a bathing suit yet this spring? Clothing boutiques are bursting this year with bikinis of vibrant colors, artsy patterns, and bold designs. For lots of us, this eye-opening consumer experience signals a major increase in exercise time. Bicep curls and abdominal crunches are all the rage as the reality sets in that the body needs big time attention before you actually have to wear that beautiful new bathing suit. That’s why embracing exercise efficiency will help you make the most of your efforts.
Remember that to lose weight and increase muscle tone, your metabolism needs to fire on all cylinders. It’s not just about strength work, and it isn’t just about cardio – it’s both. That’s why workout efficiency is so important. When you combine moves, cut down on rest time, and transition skillfully from one exercise to the next, your body stays happily confused. This makes it work harder, your heart rate stays elevated, because your muscles are moving in various directions, and results become far more probable. (more…) read more →